Vanderbilt outfielder headed back to Omaha for home run contest

Fresh off being named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team, Connor Harrell is headed back to Omaha, Neb.

The Vanderbilt outfielder will participate in the TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby, 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

The contest, which includes eight players from around the country, will be televised by CBS at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Harrell finished his sophomore season with nine home runs — including two at the College World Series at brand new TD Ameritrade Park. In Vanderbilt’s tournament-opening victory against North Carolina, he belted a solo blast over the left-field wall for the first CWS homer in the new stadium. The Houston native hit another against North Carolina — a three-run home run — in Vanderbilt’s second victory over the Tar Heels.

On Tuesday night — after South Carolina defeated Florida to capture its second straight national championship — Harrell was one of 11 players selected to the CWS All-Tournament Team. Harrell was 5 for 12 (.417 bating average) with the two homers and six RBIs.

Joining him on the team was fellow outfielder Tony Kemp, a native of Franklin. Vanderbilt’s leadoff hitter was 6 for 15 (.400) with two triples. The Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year also recorded the first CWS hit in TD Ameritrade Park when he led off the opener against North Carolina with a bunt single.

The all-tournament team was comprised of only SEC players. South Carolina led the way with seven Gamecocks. Second baseman Scott Wingo was named the tournament’s most outstanding player.